A Season for Love (2025) Movie Script
1
Action.
Cut.
- I need some dick.
- Sounds personal.
Girl, let's go out.
No. I just want
to chill at home.
I haven't had a night off
in forever.
This is sad.
Why? Why is it sad?
Why can't I just stay at home
and watch a movie in peace? Why?
Everything about it is sad.
Plus, you need some dick, too.
- I don't.
- But you do.
You really do.
Please?
Please, please, please?
You're not gonna
let this go, are you?
Nope.
- Fine, I'll go.
- Let's go.
I was thinking I could wear
the red top, and you...
Wake up.
I know you ain't asleep.
No, I'm not.
Just give me a minute.
I'll put on something cute.
Mm-hmm.
I'll be waiting.
Oh, man.
Bro, can we--
can we adjust
the brightness or something?
I can always adjust
the exposure.
I can't look at this
right now.
Look, I need a break.
Bro, we gotta knock this out.
The film festival deadlines is
coming up soon.
I'm telling you.
Let's just step away
for a few hours
and come back
in the morning with fresh eyes.
All right, but one night.
One night.
Then we knock this out.
All right?
Exactly.
Come on.
I know a place
we can get some drinks.
...going to get
something to drink.
Okay...
- Good night?
- Yes.
Yes, it is.
Hi, there.
Hi.
I see you're
just standing here alone.
I was wondering
if... I could join you.
Sure, sure.
So, uh...
what brings you to the bar?
Um, I thought I needed
a change of scenery.
Work has been...
really tough lately, so.
Oh, yeah. Yeah.
Work can be really...
real stressful sometimes.
- Uh-huh.
- Yeah.
Uh-huh.
So, do you come here
often or...
Um... no, actually.
I, for whatever reason,
decided to go out tonight.
- Right.
- Tonight.
- Right.
- Yeah. Uh-huh.
I'm sorry,
I'm not into this...
- No, it's-- it's okay.
- ...talking to strangers
- kind of thing.
- It's okay.
But I appreciate you
for trying.
- Right.
- Yes.
Not good at small talk.
Yeah.
Well, it was nice
meeting you.
- Uh-huh.
- Even though
- I totally bombed that.
- It's okay.
It's not about how well you do.
It's about the effort.
So...
Right.
Yeah, you're right.
Mm-huh.
I'll let you enjoy
your drink, um...
maybe I'll see you around.
Maybe.
Okay.
Oh...
Swing and a miss.
Whatever, bro.
Thank you, Nikki.
That is the last time
I'll ever go out with you.
Just leave me here.
Wonderful.
Hey.
Hey... again.
Nice and early.
- Going home so soon?
- I am.
My girl left me,
so I am going home.
Not really the type
to be at the club alone.
Dang, she left you?
That's whack.
Yeah, it is.
- My name's Malik, by the way.
- Sam.
It's nice to formally meet you
this time, I guess.
Yeah.
Nice to meet you again.
We're gonna try
this small talk thing again?
Nah, nah.
Yeah, the club's
not really my thing.
I'm more of a...
nice lounge,
something like that.
That's more my vibe.
The club, I don't really--
- you know what I'm saying?
- Yeah... me, too.
Um...
looks like my ride is here.
It was really nice
to meet you...
- Malik.
- Malik, Malik, Malik.
- Nice to meet you, too.
- You too.
I mean, yeah, yes.
See you later.
Looks like mine's here, too.
So...
Yeah?
What do you do for a living?
I'm a filmmaker.
That's cool.
Thanks.
Have I seen any of your work?
Uh... probably not.
- I'm sure it's good.
- I'd like to think so.
- What do you do?
- I'm a doctor.
- Oh, really?
- Yeah.
- That's dope.
- Thank you.
- What kind?
- Cardiologist.
- So you deal with the heart?
- Yes.
That's dope.
It's just that
I have been working
really, really late nights
at the hospital,
and tonight was supposed
to be my night off,
and I was supposed to be
with my friend,
but she left me
at the club, so...
Let's not waste
a good night off.
I know a few good spots
we could eat uptown.
I could eat.
I could eat.
Oh, okay.
Driver, can you stop us here?
Okay.
Shove over here.
- Yeah.
- Uh-huh, I see.
Taking the outside, good.
- Yeah.
- I was raised right, man.
My mom said, "You always
got to make sure that...
the lady on the inside,
guy got to be closer
to the street,"
hold the doors, all that.
- All that good stuff.
- Chivalry is a lost art.
It is.
And it's sad, too.
- Yeah.
- It's kind of
nostalgic, actually.
Yeah, you're right.
Shouldn't be, but...
I'm actually kind of
nostalgic in a way.
Yeah? How so?
I don't know, man.
I like-- I like the--
the classic stuff.
'90s R&B,
all that good stuff.
You know?
Classic movies.
That's part of the reason
why I don't like the club.
It's like I don't--
I don't get the music--
Yeah. I think
we all can agree
that whatever
they're playing nowadays
is nowhere near
as good as '90s R&B.
Right.
Well. Yeah.
Well, here we go.
- Food truck?
- Yeah.
Right here.
- It's the best in the city.
- Best-- okay.
Best in the city.
Trust me. Trust me.
You're gonna see.
- Okay.
- You're gonna see, come on.
Okay... this is pretty good.
- See, I told you.
- You're right.
You got it.
You got it. It's good.
It's the best in the city
right here.
Uh, okay. All right.
It is good, though.
It is good.
So, Mr. Filmmaker,
what movies or directors
inspire you?
Um...
Definitely Spike.
Mm, I'm sure.
"Do The Right Thing,"
"She's Gotta Have It."
- Absolutely.
- Yeah. Classics.
- Uh-huh.
- John Singleton.
Antoine Fuqua.
And I like what
Ryan Coogler's doing, too.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
My favorite work is
definitely "Love Jones."
- Really?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
- That's my favorite.
What's your favorite part?
Man, so many dope parts
in there. Um...
maybe the poem.
One of them was
just a booty call.
It was the smoothest
booty call ever.
All right...
I guess... okay.
But I think, um...
what's so great is the...
it's just great art,
you know?
Great representation
of us Black people,
you know?
The vulnerability.
Like, we need more stories
like that, you know?
Yeah, I agree.
Is that
what your work's like?
Yeah, I try to...
I try to recreate that,
emulate that.
Especially the vulnerability
aspect of it, you know?
Don't get me wrong,
there's a place
for the street films,
hood films.
There's truth
in those stories.
It's just not
my truth, you know?
It's not my representation.
Well, I for sure have to see
one of your movies now.
For sure.
- Yeah.
- Okay.
- Maybe.
- Maybe?
Well, why not?
Ah!
'Cause you can't handle
my review, of course.
Duh. What?
Oh, so you're
a movie critic now?
- I am a movie critic now.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
- Okay.
I can imagine...
I don't know,
maybe you could make
a bigger name for yourself
in a bigger city
like Atlanta or LA or New York.
Why stay here?
'Cause I'm from here.
And I like it here.
I think there's a scene here
full of untapped potential,
you know, energy.
My grandparents
actually had a spot
in the Brooklyn neighborhood.
In the '60s,
they tore it down.
I guess you could call it
the first...
wave of gentrification.
Anyway, it was
a vibrant Black community.
Yeah, I hear you.
I actually grew up
in Cherry neighborhood,
a few minutes from uptown.
When I was growing up,
I knew all my neighbors.
It was like you felt safe.
You felt like
the community was, like,
looking over you
at all times.
Now, if you try
to get a place over there,
you can't even get one
unless you got
a few million to your name.
They done priced
everybody out.
But...
I don't know,
some say...
once the communities left,
the... culture left.
I don't agree.
I still love my city,
you know?
I think you can find
a culture, you just gotta
look... look
at the right places for it.
But to answer
your question, yes,
there's a Black art scene
that's thriving here
in Charlotte.
No, it's not Atlanta.
It's not Chicago.
It's different.
There's an energy here,
definitely.
But why?
Why Charlotte for you?
I'm a transplant, just like
a lot of other people here.
So...
- Cool.
- You're a unicorn.
There's not a lot of you
left here. Special.
Appreciate that.
But I...
also went to school here,
and I...
just decided to stay.
I loved it here.
So, I finished
my residency, and...
now I'm thinking about
opening up a practice here
and serving the community,
so we'll see.
That's dope.
You've helped so many people.
I think so, yeah.
- Yeah.
- I think so.
But I know my dad...
wants me to come back home
and work for him, so...
it's a lot to think about.
At least
you got options, right?
Yes, I do.
A lot of options.
Cool.
- Is that us?
- Yes. Yes, it is.
Sam? Girl,
where have you been?
- Oh, Nikki.
- Oh, my God.
- I was so worried about--
- You were not worried about me.
You took one look at that guy
and you left.
- Oh, yeah.
- Yeah.
Yeah, and his name was,
like, Justin.
- Or was it James?
- Oh, girl.
It was something
that started with a J.
But whoa!
That was a good night.
Anyway, seems like
you had fun tonight.
Don't start.
How you doing?
- My name is Malik.
- Hi, Malik.
You guys had fun today?
Good time.
Oh-- ooh,
driver, driver, hey!
Um, can you
drop him off first?
We don't really want him
to know where we live.
Oh, my God,
Nikki, please.
He could be, like,
a serial killer or something.
She has a point.
Driver, can you
drop me off first?
I'll pay extra if I need to.
Hmm.
- And what are you doing?
- I want to see your movie.
- Yeah?
- Mm-hmm.
It's not out yet.
- I know you have a copy.
- Yeah, I do.
- So?
- Are you serious?
- I wanna see it.
- All right.
- Malik, I know where you live.
- Go home.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
- Coffee?
- Yes, thank you.
- So...
- So?
How'd you enjoy the movie?
Didn't really watch
that much of it.
I was a little preoccupied.
- Oh, yeah?
- Yeah.
I mean, I guess that means
you just gotta come back by.
- Oh, yeah?
- See it again.
I don't think
this is the best place
to watch it if you want me
to focus on it.
- Why is that?
- You know why.
Oh, that is my ride.
So, when will
I see you again?
I don't know.
You have my number.
Use it.
Mmm.
Yeah, you left the spot
last night.
What'd you end up doing?
I just, you know,
got something to eat and,
you know,
took a Uber home.
So... uneventful, huh?
- Yeah.
- Lying, bro.
Who was the little girl
- we saw you leaving with?
- You peeped that.
I did.
It was just good conversation.
That's it.
Yeah. All right.
You ready to get into this?
- Yeah.
- All right, man.
Need you to focus.
Deadline's coming up.
Yeah, I got you.
See, the time is off on this.
I feel like this scene
could flow better.
I think if...
if you just switch
the camera angles,
it'll be...
yeah, I think
that'd make it better, yeah.
All right, cool.
Uh... Malik.
- Yo, Malik.
- What's up?
Where the fuck are you
right now, bro?
Gotta get this picture
locked in.
My bad, bro.
My bad, my bad...
Okay, that wasn't
just no conversation.
Oh, she put that shit
on you, huh?
So, we started
a conversation,
and then...
you know,
end up going home.
I showed her
a cut of the film.
- This film?
- Yeah.
This isn't ready
for anyone to see, what--
Bro, relax. I mean, the film
was basically watching us.
Yo, you are
a hopeless romantic.
All that love at first sight
shit is for the movie.
That shit ain't got
nothing to do with love.
- It was just sex, bro.
- Yeah.
All right, well,
can we get back to work now?
Yeah, let's go.
You see what I'm saying
about it running smoother?
The angle you gave me was
right, I just...
Yeah, I still feel like
some of the brightness,
I don't know type of shit--
Here you go with
this exposure bullshit. God.
So, how was your night
last night?
Shouldn't I be
asking you that?
Girl, please.
Went out, got some dick,
went home.
End of story.
Yeah, except
you forgot the part
where you left
your homegirl at the club.
Uh...
You don't even
remember his name.
It was Jared.
And I gave him my number.
And I don't know why,
but he won't stop texting me,
and it's so annoying.
And last time I checked,
you were
on your own little adventure.
My adventure was
me getting an Uber home
because you left me.
- Hmm, here you go.
- I felt like being spontaneous.
- So dramatic.
- Oh.
Well, other than that,
what happened after?
Well, nothing, really.
We somehow ended up
in the same Uber,
so we just got some food.
Girl, that's not
what I'm talking about.
I mean, after the Uber.
We watched a movie.
- A movie?
- Mm-hmm.
- We watched a movie.
- Yeah, bullshit.
- We did.
- You gonna call him?
- Probably.
- Mm-hmm. Yeah.
- You gonna call him?
- I probably will.
Yup.
Yeah, man, we good.
I'm actually submitting
to the film festivals right now.
Yeah, man, I got a good--
good feeling about this one.
I do, got a good feeling
about this.
I actually have a meeting
with the sales agent,
and, you know,
once, he said,
when we get into
a few film festivals,
we can talk strategy.
In the meantime,
I'm about to start
writing the next one,
you know.
Okay.
All right, cool.
But I'ma holler at you.
Peace.
Oh, my God.
Let me see...
- Make sure you hydrate it.
- Mm-hmm.
- Congratulations on your film.
- Thank you.
Work is far from done, though.
What do you mean?
It means... it's kind of
out of my hands now.
Just gotta wait for it
to be selected
by a film festival.
Kind of nerve-wracking.
I think it'll be great.
Yeah?
You stress too much.
Shouldn't worry about it.
It'll work out.
- Yeah, you're right.
- Mm-hmm.
In the meantime, I'm trying
to make the next film.
What's stopping you?
It's lacking inspiration.
What's that?
This is an old film camera
used for home movies.
There you go,
being nostalgic again.
You want to be my muse?
- Really?
- Yeah.
Okay, I'll do it.
That's my good side.
Just stop.
- It's so cute.
- Oh, stop.
Stop!
Man, damn.
What's on your mind?
Nothing.
Something's got you out here.
You can talk to me.
The film didn't
get selected
for two of the film festivals
we submitted it to.
Sorry.
It's like they don't...
appreciate positive Black art.
But if it was
a crime series,
they would've ate
that shit up, you know?
You still have your...
film premiere though, right?
That'll be good.
I don't know
what that's going to do.
It's like
they don't wanna see...
layered African Americans
on screen.
If you're not playing
some type of thug...
crime boss, slave...
or trying to help
some white man,
just-- they don't
want to see it.
People do want to see
themselves represented.
And there is a market
for what you're creating,
you just can't give up.
I poured everything
into this, Sam.
Everything.
So every rejection
from the film festivals,
it's like money wasted,
just gone.
Maybe it's time for me
to just...
reevaluate some things.
My film career.
My approach.
Hell, maybe even my life.
I know it can seem like...
every time you don't get
immediate results, it's a waste.
I know what that feels like.
And it's not true.
And you're investing
in yourself
and your future
and your community.
Yeah, I don't know, Sam.
"Tears of the Sun,"
"Black Panther,"
"Miracle at St. Anna,"
- "Love Jones."
- What are you talking about?
All of these are classics.
And if Ryan Coogler
or Spike Lee
or Antoine Fuqua
had given up
because of a few rejections,
we wouldn't have any of those.
You're up next,
so you have to keep going.
Okay?
Hey, sweetheart.
- Hi, Dad.
- How is everything?
Everything's good.
I know you are glad that
that residency is almost over.
You can finally start
making some real money.
I did not become a cardiologist
to have some money, Dad.
Yes, I know.
I know. I know.
You want
to help people, right?
Just like your mother.
Yes. I want to start
my own practice
to help our people.
Heart attacks are among
the leading health concerns
of African American people.
Not to mention lower income.
This is true.
But look,
at least come work
for me, right?
Uh...
If you really want
to help people,
you can come work for me,
and there are patients
that-- that can pay, right?
ook, starting your own practiceL
is not easy. It's a lot.
- Yeah.
- Sweetheart, listen.
Just-- Just think
about it, right?
Plus, you can be closer
to your mom and I.
We miss you.
Fine.
I'll think about it.
Oh, girl,
I thought you were sleeping.
- This is Jared.
- Hi.
- Sorry!
- We'll talk about this later.
You could have put the lid down
on the toilet seat.
My bad.
What you writing
in that notebook anyway?
None of your business.
Come on, tell me
what you writing in it.
- What is that?
- It's nothing.
- Is it a diary?
- No. What am I, 12?
It's a book of poems.
- Poems?
- Yes.
Let me...
Let me hear some.
No.
Come on, let me hear some.
Let me hear some.
It's not that good.
I'm sure they good,
let me listen.
- Are you gonna judge me?
- No, I won't.
- Do you promise?
- I promise.
All right, then.
Let's see.
Hmm.
"In the gallery of life,
our love is a masterpiece.
A canvas brushed with hues
of mahogany and midnight
where every stroke
tells a tale of resilience,
of hearts bound together,
creating an enduring art.
Mahogany, rich and deep,
like the roots of our heritage.
Beneath the soil it intertwines
strong and unseen,
its warmth, a reflection
of our ancestors' embrace,
nurturing our love.
A legacy passed down
through dreams."
- Are you listening?
- I'm listening.
Okay.
"Our love,
an ebony night sky,
infinite and serene,
each star a moment of joy
or whisper of promises kept.
In the shadows of twilight
we find our sanctuary.
Two souls dancing
in the rhythm of unity,
step by step.
Amber sunsets kiss our skin,
a tender glow of passion
illuminating our journey,
painting paths of golden light.
In the storm's fury
we stand as an oak,
unyielding,
rooted in our devotion.
Our branches
reaching for the sky.
The deep blue of the ocean
mirrors our emotions,
vast and unfathomable,
yet tranquil and sure.
Waves of affection crashing
against the shores of time,
crafting sculptures of love,
ever-changing, pure.
In the crimson of dawn
we see our future's promise,
a horizon ablaze with dreams,
radiant and true.
With every heartbeat
our colors blend and blossom,
creating a masterpiece
where Black love is our muse.
So, let our love be the art
that adorns life's gallery,
a tapestry woven with hues
of mahogany and night
for in the symphony of colors
our story is told,
a testament to Black love,
timeless, bold and bright."
Sam, that was amazing.
You're just saying that.
No, I'm not.
I'm being so serious.
See, I told you
you was an artist.
Well, thank you.
Why don't you, like,
host a open mic night,
- or something like that?
- No.
- You know?
- No.
White people.
I mean, you got to give...
You got to share that
with the world.
I can't do that.
- Why not?
- Because...
I'm not that good.
Not yet.
Besides, I just need you.
You know?
Notes? Notes.
Well done.
Yeah, well done.
You're supposed to be like,
"Yeah, thank you," but not.
- "I appreciate it," huh?
- Yeah, yeah, welcome. But--
Right, there's always
the fucking "but," you know?
I did love it. I thought
the cinematography was great,
where you talked
about your talent.
The script was amazing.
Doesn't get much better.
I loved it.
You know, like I said,
if I had more time,
I'd... watch it again, you know.
It's good stuff.
Congrats, bud.
There's really never...
a good way to say this,
you know,
because it is a good script.
We just...
We just talked about that.
It's more that, uh...
this kind of stuff is just
not hot on the market right now.
As far as the businesses, right?
I just don't know
we can do much with that.
We need something...
more street,
you know what I mean?
That's... That's what's hot,
something street.
That's what the kids are on.
You gotta think about the kids.
And they're the next up
in the market.
They listen
to fucking hip hop, right?
You know, something like
a rapper name or something.
Put a "Lil" in front of it.
Just... anything.
Something like that.
What do you think about that?
You know what?
I think I'm just gonna, um...
think I'm just gonna
self-distribute this one.
No, self-dis...
See, not... Like, that's...
- Sure.
- No, that's the thing.
That's... That's the...
And I... listen,
I appreciate
and respect the confidence,
but you're gonna
fuck yourself right there.
You're gonna make
no fucking money back.
It's ROI, right?
Grab a Lemonhead. Relax.
Let's talk.
- Bro--
- Let's talk about
some solutions, right?
I'm a solutions guy.
- I'm not trying to kill you.
- Right.
Listen,
I'm trying to make money.
I like you.
You know that I like you.
Listen, Malik,
I don't got a lot of time.
Yeah, it may look like
I'm starting out, but hey,
I'm making
a couple dollars, okay?
My time's worthy.
And I had you here.
So what I will do for you...
touch base
with the distributors.
Look, I'm gonna talk to him
for you.
And we'll get them out
to the screen.
If maybe,
possibly I would like to.
That's the goal.
We'll get them out...
and we'll go from there.
You know what I'm saying?
Like, we'll see what we can do.
You don't even
get a festival, bro.
Really, all you got is me
right now.
- So, what do you say?
- I guess I have no choice--
You have a choice. Right?
I'm--I'm...
I'm telling you,
that's the path to take.
The self-distribution, like...
Who the fuck has done that
and done it well?
Like, I just...
I'll wait. You know
what I'm saying? Like, nobody.
Like, this is not...
This is not a thing.
You seem open to suggestions,
right?
And I appreciate you coming by
with love.
We'll talk soon.
You walk...
I'll walk you out.
- Yeah, appreciate you.
- I walk you out.
Got everything?
Wallet, phone, keys?
- Yeah.
- You shouldn't be
another body, brother.
Man, this... This project
was supposed to be the one, man.
How much money
you got tied up in this?
Shit. Too much.
And if I don't get distribution,
I'm just going to be wasting
my own personal money.
I don't know.
Maybe I should just write
the characters
they want me to write.
Look, man, you got a gift.
These white Hollywood execs
don't know shit.
Yeah, but they
the gatekeepers though, bro.
So we hop the fucking fence.
Look, I'm tired of seeing
street hustlers,
pimps and ballers.
We're more than that, man.
Look, I'm tired of seeing
this shit on screen again.
Shit, me too.
That's why I directed this one.
And it's perfect. Look, man,
don't change a thing, all right?
At the screening, they'll see.
This...
I can't afford
to not have distribution.
Bro, once they see your work,
just be ready with the next one
'cause the studios
will be calling.
Next week.
Ain't no next one. I can't...
I ain't been able to get
the next one down on paper.
Yeah, what's going on with you?
You normally bust a script out
in no time.
Sam. I just been
spending a lot of time with Sam.
Oh, I see
the love bugging bitch.
- I told your ass.
- Ain't nothing like that, man.
We just chilling.
I already told you.
Nigga, who you trying
to convince, me or yourself?
Whatever, man.
Take it from a brother
with experience.
The dumbest nigga
in the world is the one
who knows he's in love and tries
to convince himself he's not.
You only get
one soulmate in life, man.
Don't mess around losing,
being stupid.
Like I said, we just chilling.
That ain't got nothing to do
with love or none of that.
We chilling.
Me and her, chilling.
Okay, cool.
That's good.
'Cause... that actress
I was telling you about?
- Mm-hmm.
- Just showed up.
Hey, how are you?
Oh, Anna, this is
the talented writer/director
I was telling you about, Malik.
Malik, this is Anna.
Anna, it's nice to meet you.
It's nice to meet you as well.
I actually watched a short film
you did a while back.
- Oh, really?
- Yes.
- How'd you like it?
- I liked it.
I actually liked it a lot.
And I've been hoping
to get a chance
to work with you ever since.
Well, this is perfect timing.
Malik is actually in the process
of writing his next project.
- Oh, yeah?
- Yeah, yeah.
I'm actually in the process
of doing some brainstorming.
Oh. Any chance
there's a part in it for me?
- Yeah, possibly.
- Lay it on me.
Well, since you're still
in the brainstorming phase,
maybe I can help you out
with some of those ideas.
We'll take you up on that offer.
Yeah, that would be...
- That'll be helpful.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
- Well, it seems
like you guys
are getting along just fine.
I'm gonna let you two
get to work
on the brainstorming
and I'll... bounce.
So you do that.
So...
What do you do outside of work?
Uh, you know, like,
try to take it easy sometimes.
You know,
you go hiking or, like,
read some books, go to the gym,
something like that.
- Go to the gym?
- Yeah, you know,
gotta keep the physique
together, and all that.
I like a man
that work out.
What about you?
Oh, I be in the gym
sometimes myself.
- Oh, yeah?
- I like to... work out.
- Hi.
- Hi. I'm Sam.
- I'm here for a job interview.
- Oh, okay, Sam.
Well, you know,
just have a seat,
and I'll let the doctor know
that you're here.
Thank you.
Spelman for undergrad.
Uh-huh.
And the Howard University
for medical school.
Yes. Yes.
I went there as well.
Oh, okay.
And is your dad Dr. Allen?
Yes.
- Yes, he is.
- Hmm.
Very interesting. His practice
is doing very well up in D.C.,
- from what I understand.
- Yes, it is.
So...
I have to be honest.
Why do you want to work here?
I feel really passionately
about providing affordable
health care for everyone,
regardless of income.
And I know that your clinic
provides essential services
for the community, and I really
want to be a part of that.
I appreciate that,
but I have to be honest, Sam.
This is a demanding job
with long hours.
It's hard to have a family,
let alone a relationship.
I'm aware.
And I'm willing
to make sacrifices
in order to work here.
That's great to hear.
Now, if this is really
what you want to do,
I want you to take
a few days and think about it.
And if you decide that this is
where you really want to be,
I will be happy
to offer you a job.
Thank you.
I'm a really hard worker
and I'm really dedicated
to my patients.
I can tell.
I mean, you know.
- Ain't you?
- You know.
Hey...
- Thank you, Dr. Smith.
- You're welcome.
- Back to your fine dad.
- Uh...
- How's he doing?
- He's good. Yeah.
When you taste this,
you don't really like it.
Okay, we'll see.
Maybe let's just hold off
and--
One of my special recipes.
You know what I'm saying?
Okay.
Here, hollup,
let me get it.
up ahead.
- Uh-huh.
- Here, try this.
What you think?
Ooh. Mm...
What, you saying
I can't cook?
No. I'm not saying that.
That's good.
It's good. I just...
felt a little nauseous.
You all right?
Yeah, I think so.
Just felt sick.
- Hmm.
- But that's good, that's cool.
It's good.
I mean, you know,
they call me
Malik... Flay...
- They don't.
- ...chef with no way...
- you know what I'm saying?
- Okay.
...doing my thing.
Okay.
It's not really good.
I forgot to ask you
about your interview.
- How did it go?
- It went good.
So they offered me
the job on the spot.
They said it's mine
if I want it.
- And she went to Howard, too.
- Really?
- Uh-huh.
- Oh, that's good.
- Yes.
- Congratulations, I see,
like the whole alumni network
working out for you.
Anything like that? Good.
She went to school
with my dad,
and I'm pretty sure they did it.
- Really?
- Like a lot.
- Oh, that's wild.
- Yeah.
- That's wild.
- Actually.
Wow.
It's crazy.
Oh, I got a film event
to go to tonight.
Oh, so we're not going to hang
out and celebrate my new job?
No. I'm sorry.
Tye hit me up
at the last minute and said...
he got a couple people
he want to introduce me to.
So... I ain't gonna be
hanging with you tonight.
But, look, I'm gonna make it up
to you, all right?
I'll make it up.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Now I'm about to get
some more of this,
'cause, you know, my cooking...
I told you,
it's really like that.
- I don't--
- Yes. Okay.
Like, let's not blow it
out of proportion.
Came out really good.
Really good.
Wasn't that good.
But okay.
It's-- It's...
pretty good.
Hey, Malik.
Dude, how you doing?
What's up, Randy?
How you doing?
Doing good, man. I'm good.
Good to see you.
What you been working on?
I just got a film
in South Bay and Sundance.
- Really?
- Yeah. Yeah.
- Wow. Congrats.
- Thank you, man.
- Good.
- Aren't you working
on something as well?
Yeah, yeah,
but it's not a...
it's not
a festival project.
Oh, cool. Okay.
What studio is backing?
Um... I'm actually gonna, um,
self-distribute this one.
Ah. Cool. Cool.
Good luck with that.
Thanks.
Hey, man.
Forget about him.
Hard not to, man.
He got everything
that I want.
First, the process.
Stories that matter
come from real life shit.
You can't be cooped up
in the house thinking of ideas.
The best ideas come from
experiences and feeling shit.
Remember that.
Yeah, you right.
So, what does he do?
You know, he's eccentric.
You know? He's figuring out
what he wants to do.
He's creative and, like...
I don't know, he's just
kind of enjoying life,
being present in the moment.
That's a big thing.
- So, unemployed.
- Okay. For now.
- Okay.
- For now.
But he's gonna figure out
what he wants
and that takes time, so yeah.
Anyway, I mean,
you've been spending
a lot of time with Malik lately.
Yes.
I don't know.
I think it could be something.
I guess that means you can stop
being mad at me
for leaving you that night.
Uh, no,
because that was fucked.
- Okay.
- And you broke girl code
and now he's staying over.
Yeah, you weren't supposed
to find out about that one.
I don't know. I haven't heard
from Malik in a few days.
I know he's busy
with his film premiere
and waiting to send his script
to his agent.
It's...
I'm sure he'll figure it out.
Don't worry.
I hope so.
Just feel like
he doesn't have time for me.
If he's not worried about you,
you shouldn't be
worried about him.
- Nikki.
- I'm just saying,
if he wants to get to know you
and he cares,
he'll take the time.
That's all I'm saying.
I'll keep that in mind.
Yeah, you should.
Ugh, he is so annoying.
God, it's my dad.
He wants me to come to D.C.,
and work at his practice.
Well, at least
you'll have a job lined up.
That's not what I wanna do
and he knows that.
So now he's just throwing
numbers at me to get me to cave.
How much are we talking?
500K?
Okay, let me know if you're
gonna turn that down,
because I have student loans.
And if you're not gonna take it,
I'll take it.
That is a lot of money, though.
Girl, 500K? Yeah.
But it's not
what I want to do, though.
And his practice
doesn't serve the community
that I wanna serve.
I had an interview
at a Westside Clinic
and I was so excited.
They need a cardiologist,
and I know I can
make a difference there.
Sam, look, we all wanna
make a difference,
but you can't do that
if you're starving
and you're full of debt.
It's just something
to think about.
Yeah.
500K. Hmm.
Text Sharon about this.
Why are you texting?
Just 500k.
You won't believe this, girl.
She's getting 500K.
Everything's fine.
Hmm.
Everything's fine.
It's too much wine.
Too much wine.
You know
to never drink that much.
Everything is...
- You good?
- Uh-huh.
Good. So about this money...
- It's so much money.
- It's so much money.
You're crazy to turn that down.
If I were you,
I would be packed up right now.
I'd FaceTime my dad
and be like, "I am on my way."
And think about it,
all the stuff
you can do
with that money.
Sam, if you save it...
Because you do save,
because you are order,
then you can buy a house.
Oh, girl, that wasn't a diss.
- I'm just being honest.
- Sounded like a diss.
- Hey...
- Hey.
- How you doing?
- I'm fine. How are you doing?
- It's good to see you, too.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Glad you made it.
- Thank you.
- Little coffee.
- Hello.
How did you know I like coffee?
- How you been?
- All right.
Can't even complain.
So where are you
with the script?
Well, um, as you ask,
the story is actually
about a young woman who falls
in love with an older man.
- Hmm.
- But, uh...
their love is forbidden
because...
they come
from different worlds.
So...
That sounds familiar
and interesting.
Ooh.
Yeah. I think...
I think the role can be yours.
Mine? Not mine.
- Yep.
- You think I could do that?
- Thank you. I'm excited.
- I'm excited too.
Well, I'll be in London
next week,
so how about I say
we catch up when I get back?
Yeah, that's cool.
That sound good.
That sound good.
What you got going on on Monday?
Shooting, working,
working, shooting.
They pulling me
in every direction,
so I'm always busy,
but I got time.
I hear that.
That's good to be busy.
I'm busy, too. Just writing
on the next script.
- That's it.
- Oh, so busy people.
Shit.
Shit.
Shit.
Hello?
Hey. What's up?
Yeah.
Malik.
I thought we were supposed to
be spending time together today.
Yeah, we are. Just...
gotta finish the script.
Really tired of coming
second place to your work.
It's like you don't even
have time for me.
- That's not even true.
- Yes, it is.
And when you're not working,
you're talking to Anna.
What does Anna
have to do with this?
- Nothing.
- No. Hell, no.
You interrupted my concentration
now, so I guess I'm free.
What do you want
to do today, Sam? Huh?
I want us to be ends together.
'Cause right now
it just feels like it's me.
I don't want to feel
like I'm begging you
for your time
or that I'm bothering you.
I just want you to want me.
That's it.
It's like no matter what I do,
you're never satisfied.
I could be working on my script,
right?
But you right in front of me,
it's a problem.
I could put my script down
and tend to your needs,
and that's a problem.
It's like you... like...
What the hell
do you want from me?
I want you to talk to me
like you talk to Anna!
And how the hell
do I talk to Anna?
You tell me.
I heard you.
So now you listening
to my phone calls?
Yes, you're damn right I am.
Because when you sneak
out of bed late at night.
Yes, I'm listening.
Well, maybe if you understood
my writing process...
- I understood.
- I wouldn't have to sneak, huh?
If I understood.
Oh, so she understands?
Yeah, she understands. Yeah.
- She does.
- Anna understands your writing?
- Yeah.
- Fuck you.
Fuck you, Malik.
What? Sam.
Sam, wait.
I didn't even mean to--
Sam.
Damn.
What do you want, Malik?
Told you I wanted
to spend some time
with you today.
Now you want to spend time?
I'm not in the mood.
Sam, I'm sorry.
Okay? I've been writing
and working on the script,
but forget all that.
Let me...
Let me take you out today.
So let me get this straight.
You came here
with some flowers
that you probably
didn't even pick out yourself
and a whack-ass apology
and you thought...
somehow this would be good?
Like, you thought
this would work? Yeah?
Thought it'd be a start.
Okay.
Thought it'd be a start.
And, uh, you did take
the flowers and--
Oh, okay.
Okay. Okay.
What's this?
This is open mic night
my boy's running.
I love this.
I know you love poetry, so...
thought you'd really like this.
Hey, hey, hey.
How y'all feeling tonight?
Feeling smooth?
Y'all still feeling the vibe?
All right,
let's keep that frequency going.
To my right, we have
a well-known poet
straight right here
from Charlotte.
But let me get y'all ready.
His words, it captures you.
His delivery, mmm,
it elevates your senses.
And his style,
it brings you into
his world of creativity.
So without further ado,
help me.
Let's show some love to the one
and only, Sir Abstract.
How y'all doing tonight?
I appreciate
y'all for having me.
I got this new piece
I'd like to share.
We just gonna
get straight into it.
You see, love has its own time,
its own season,
and its own reasons
for coming and going.
Sometimes we don't realize
that we are
in another season
until the climate changes.
And the last time I checked,
you can't be dressed
for two seasons at once.
When you begin
to fall out of love,
the heartbeats begin to fade,
like listening to an album
on a record player.
Just because the needle
continues to spin on the groove
doesn't mean that another song
is up next.
We sometimes have to accept
that this part of us is over.
And to not be afraid to flip it
over to its B side.
I remember when your lips
used to taste like forever,
when your touch felt like
Christmas came early.
I remember when you were
my escape.
Now it feels
like a holding cell.
Our love used to feel so alive,
now it feels
like there's a cut somewhere
and it won't stop bleeding and
now we are just holding cells.
You were the fireplace that made
me forget it was a cold winter.
I was your pumpkin spice and now
you're something hard to digest.
My taste buds
can't even fall for you anymore.
I wish that I knew
the keys to success
when it comes to a relationship.
I know business plans
are appropriate
for investment meetings,
but not when it comes
to exchanging I love yous.
"I'm sorry for my mistakes."
That my commitment seemed
misunderstood when I didn't
understand everything
that was going on with me.
And the one thing
that sucks about leaves
when they fall
from a tree is that you can
never seem to catch them
before they touch the ground.
And I go back and forth
on what that means.
And I'm not going to hold you,
although I want to hold you.
Even if that means you are truly
ready to fall from this tree.
Thank you.
Do you think it's true?
What he said about
some people only being
in your life for a season?
Some people, yeah.
I think those things tend to...
work themselves out.
Yeah.
That's what I think.
Anna?
Yeah. It's a five hour
time difference.
It's the only time
she can really talk.
I think I'm gonna take that job
that my dad offered me in D.C.
What?
Why?
I think it's the right move
for my career.
What about all those people
that you wanted to help
at the clinic?
People in D.C. need help too.
Is this about Anna?
No.
No.
I just...
I think our season is up.
Our season?
Okay.
Okay.
So, is your mind made up?
No, I'm still thinking about it.
How do you feel about it?
You know,
we're just chilling, right?
Gotta do what's best
for your career.
Gotta do what you gotta do.
Just chilling.
Hmm...
It's getting late.
Can you take me home, please?
Yeah.
Um... Hi, I'm here to see
Dr. Smith.
It's really important.
Okay, no problem.
She'll be right with you.
Just go have a seat.
Thank you.
Sam?
We're ready for you
to come back.
Come in.
- Hi.
- Hey.
- She's ready for you.
- Oh, thank you.
- She has some questions.
- Okay.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Hi, Sam.
- Hi.
- How are you doing?
Okay.
So, do you have
any questions?
Um...
what should I expect?
So the nurse is
gonna come in here,
and she's gonna
give you your first pill,
and then we're gonna
send you home
with the next one
that you'll take tonight.
- Okay.
- Okay?
I also have some information
for you to look over.
But of course,
if you have any other questions,
you can always reach
out to me, okay?
- Okay.
- So this is for you.
You'll also find
additional information
- on your electronic chart.
- Okay, great.
It's gonna be all right.
Remember, you can
call me anytime
- if you have any questions.
- Thank you.
I know you decided not
to take the job,
but please know,
it's here for you,
when you're ready.
Okay, thank you.
- I'll send the nurse in.
- Thank you.
Go.
Come on.
You got one more.
Yo, what's going on, bro?
I don't know,
I'm good.
All right,
so that's bullshit
'cause you can normally
this weight with no problem.
So, what's really going on?
I just-- you know,
the script,
I got writer's block, and...
you know,
you know how that work.
Okay, so step away
from it, man.
You got time.
But I know this ain't
no writer's block,
so you gonna stop bullshitting
and tell me what the problem
really is?
Sam hit me with
some bullshit last night.
Ah, I see.
Yeah, said
she gonna leave,
go to D.C.
I thought it was nothing.
I mean, it is nothing,
man, you know?
It just...
just call me by surprise,
you know?
Man,
I told your ass before, man.
Y'all not just chilling.
She got your ass, bro.
I'm chilling, man.
I told you,
it's nothing, like--
like I said,
just caught me
by surprise, and...
you know, sex was good.
And I'm gonna
miss it, but...
All right,
well, that's it,
and it's not a big deal,
then let's get this weight.
- Come on.
- Yeah.
Sweet.
- Yeah.
- Oh!
Girl, I can't believe
you're moving.
Well, it's what's best
for me right now.
There's plenty
of opportunities here.
You don't have to go to D.C.
Plus, what about the clinic?
D.C. has clinics, too.
And I can help my dad and help
serve the community there.
I guess, but...
you know,
I'm going to miss you.
And what about Malik?
He told me to go.
Did he really?
Well, he didn't tell me to stay.
Well...
maybe he didn't
really want you to go.
Sometimes they think
about that.
Sam?
This is misoprostol.
Do you know what this is?
Of course I know what it is.
Are you...
Did you... Sam...
Sam!
Sam!
Why didn't you tell me?
I didn't want
anybody to know.
Does Malik know?
I didn't want
anybody to know.
Sam, you have to tell him.
You have to tell him.
Sam, you have to tell him.
You have to promise
that you won't
say anything to him.
Please.
Okay.
- Thank you.
- I won't say anything.
Sam?
Are you okay?
Sam!
Sam, it's okay.
Sam.
Sam, I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry, Sam.
Hey.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry I wasn't there.
Coming.
Surprise. Yo.
Nikki, what you doing there?
What do you think
I'm doing here?
She made her choice.
Mm, from what I understand,
you told her to go.
I'm not tripping.
We were just chilling.
- And she should go.
- Mm-hmm.
Keep trying
to convince yourself that.
Look, she's leaving
tomorrow morning,
and look, I just think
you need to talk to her.
I said
I'm not tripping, okay?
We were just chilling.
And why do you care anyway?
My best friend is leaving
because of you.
And I can't just...
I can't tell you why,
but I can tell
you're bullshitting.
You know how you really
feel about her.
So stop and go.
Oh, and here you go.
I found it downstairs
with your name on it.
You know going
through people's mail is
- a federal crime, right?
- "Oh, going through
somebody's--"
Yeah, yeah, call the cops.
"Their lips meet
in a feverish kiss,
fueled by
the storm's intensity
and the raw emotion
between them.
Ernest's hands grasp
Judy's body
with a hunger
that ignites her own desires.
And she responds eagerly.
Fingers pulling
at his trousers
and loosening his belt."
Anna...
do you even like my script?
I mean, it's all right.
What? What?
So you telling me
you here just to get casted?
You don't even care
if the script is trash or not?
Listen, listen, listen.
All that matters is
I'm good,
so I can make it better.
I think you should leave.
You want
all of this to leave?
All-- All of this?
- Yeah, yeah.
- Really?
- you should go.
- All-- All of this?
Leave.
Bye.
Wow.
Sam! Sam! Sam!
Sam!
That's correct.
Mm-hmm.
I need you to cancel
all the appointments
for the rest of the day.
Yes, I have an appointment
with the president at 2:00.
No, we can't meet
with that company.
All right,
I'll get back with you.
And, plus, my doctor's here.
All right, thank you, bye-bye.
- Uh, Dr. Allen?
- Yes.
Well, I was expecting
your father.
I've taken over
a few of his patients.
- Oh, okay, fine.
- Yes.
So, I checked some
of your past test results.
I'm just here to make sure
everything is okay.
Okay.
Oh, that's good.
'Cause I've...
been under
a lot of stress lately.
- Understandable.
- Oh, dear. Congress.
Whoo.
So, I am just gonna
listen to your heart.
- Okay, take a deep breath in.
- Okay.
And out...
And in...
And out.
Okay, turn...
And in...
And out.
And one more turn.
- And out.
- Phew.
Everything looks great.
Your test results look great.
Oh, well,
that is good to know.
You know, I have to be
ready tomorrow
to filibuster.
Congressman Ryan's bill.
Congress, they're idiots.
You know, they could worry
the hair off an ape.
- Hah!
- Oh, I'm sorry.
But anyway,
I know your dad is glad
you're back in town,
'cause he--
I heard he was
planning on retiring.
Yes, he is not
ready to retire.
But I'm just glad to be back
so I can help out.
- Well, I'm glad you're here.
- Thank you.
- Thank you so much.
- Thank you.
Hey, sweetheart.
Hey, Dad.
You know, I've been hearing
some good things about you.
- You've been taking my rounds.
- Mm-hmm.
Got some good feedback
from the congresswoman.
- Good.
- And, oh,
and revenue has been up
this year since you've joined.
But I would expect nothing less
from my baby girl.
Thank you, Dad.
So, as a result,
I'm going to need you
to take up
Thursdays on your schedule.
Uh, but you know
I can't do Thursdays.
That's my pro bono day
at the clinic.
We had a deal, Dad.
Samantha, first of all,
"can't" is not
in our vocabulary.
And secondly, um...
your priority...
is here.
This is your job.
You are...
paid handsomely,
I might add.
This is like talking
to your mother-- um...
I need you here.
Am I clear?
Samantha... am I clear?
You said I could have
my Thursdays, Dad.
That's not what you said
earlier, but yes.
Not what I said earlier.
Hm, it's like we have
different understandings.
Well, um...
I need you
on Thursdays.
You'll get to do
that community stuff.
For now.
I need you to take that--
take on Thursdays.
Fine.
Love you.
Bro, this is
absolutely amazing.
Thanks, bro.
Takes a lot
to be this vulnerable.
This is gonna reach
a lot of people.
Yeah?
We'll see at the premiere.
I hear it's sold out.
Yeah, it is.
You ever call her?
No.
Well, I'ma go.
Rest up, man.
Tomorrow, it's all about you.
I appreciate it.
She played a profound
purpose in your life.
No matter how short
the amount of time was
y'all spent together,
she inspired this.
That's powerful.
See you tomorrow night, man.
What's up?
- Congrats, man.
- Thank you.
- I appreciate it.
- How's everything?
Pretty good, man...
How we looking?
How we looking?
We're looking good--
we're looking great.
We're looking phenomenal.
But hear me out.
- What's up?
- I got some distribution dudes.
Willing to tape
right now for you.
- Really?
- Really.
Man, close on the best one.
I'll do what I do...
do what I do best.
Yeah, and flip it around.
Either way, you get it.
Get it.
Hey, but listen,
you got Jennifer,
from "Variety."
Couple quick questions.
Something light,
little chitchat.
Be right here
if you need me.
- Cool.
- I'll introduce ya.
Jennifer, you busy?
You busy? Can I--
- Can I-- Can we--
- Hi.
- All right.
- How you doing, Jennifer?
- Good, how are you?
- Good.
Just had
a couple questions for you.
- Yeah.
- So what did you think
- about the film?
- I felt good about it, um,
and felt like it was
a good turnout at the premiere,
so, you know,
I'm excited about the future.
Yes, and what was
your inspiration behind it?
Someone really special to me.
Can we expect
even more films in the future?
- Hey... I'll be right.
- Okay.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- It's good to see you.
- You too.
Your film was amazing,
by the way.
- Thank you.
- Mm-hm.
You know, um...
- you're my inspiration.
- Yeah?
Anyway, I just wanted
to say congratulations.
Sam.
Why'd you leave?
If I stayed...
would you have been able
to do any of this?
I would have chose you.
- I know.
- I would have chose us.
I know.
That's why I left.
Well, you're here now.
And I...
And I choose you now.
Malik, you're going to LA,
and I'm in D.C.
I don't care about that.
I told you before...
our season is up.
But I don't want
a season, Sam.
I want forever.
Action.
Cut.
- I need some dick.
- Sounds personal.
Girl, let's go out.
No. I just want
to chill at home.
I haven't had a night off
in forever.
This is sad.
Why? Why is it sad?
Why can't I just stay at home
and watch a movie in peace? Why?
Everything about it is sad.
Plus, you need some dick, too.
- I don't.
- But you do.
You really do.
Please?
Please, please, please?
You're not gonna
let this go, are you?
Nope.
- Fine, I'll go.
- Let's go.
I was thinking I could wear
the red top, and you...
Wake up.
I know you ain't asleep.
No, I'm not.
Just give me a minute.
I'll put on something cute.
Mm-hmm.
I'll be waiting.
Oh, man.
Bro, can we--
can we adjust
the brightness or something?
I can always adjust
the exposure.
I can't look at this
right now.
Look, I need a break.
Bro, we gotta knock this out.
The film festival deadlines is
coming up soon.
I'm telling you.
Let's just step away
for a few hours
and come back
in the morning with fresh eyes.
All right, but one night.
One night.
Then we knock this out.
All right?
Exactly.
Come on.
I know a place
we can get some drinks.
...going to get
something to drink.
Okay...
- Good night?
- Yes.
Yes, it is.
Hi, there.
Hi.
I see you're
just standing here alone.
I was wondering
if... I could join you.
Sure, sure.
So, uh...
what brings you to the bar?
Um, I thought I needed
a change of scenery.
Work has been...
really tough lately, so.
Oh, yeah. Yeah.
Work can be really...
real stressful sometimes.
- Uh-huh.
- Yeah.
Uh-huh.
So, do you come here
often or...
Um... no, actually.
I, for whatever reason,
decided to go out tonight.
- Right.
- Tonight.
- Right.
- Yeah. Uh-huh.
I'm sorry,
I'm not into this...
- No, it's-- it's okay.
- ...talking to strangers
- kind of thing.
- It's okay.
But I appreciate you
for trying.
- Right.
- Yes.
Not good at small talk.
Yeah.
Well, it was nice
meeting you.
- Uh-huh.
- Even though
- I totally bombed that.
- It's okay.
It's not about how well you do.
It's about the effort.
So...
Right.
Yeah, you're right.
Mm-huh.
I'll let you enjoy
your drink, um...
maybe I'll see you around.
Maybe.
Okay.
Oh...
Swing and a miss.
Whatever, bro.
Thank you, Nikki.
That is the last time
I'll ever go out with you.
Just leave me here.
Wonderful.
Hey.
Hey... again.
Nice and early.
- Going home so soon?
- I am.
My girl left me,
so I am going home.
Not really the type
to be at the club alone.
Dang, she left you?
That's whack.
Yeah, it is.
- My name's Malik, by the way.
- Sam.
It's nice to formally meet you
this time, I guess.
Yeah.
Nice to meet you again.
We're gonna try
this small talk thing again?
Nah, nah.
Yeah, the club's
not really my thing.
I'm more of a...
nice lounge,
something like that.
That's more my vibe.
The club, I don't really--
- you know what I'm saying?
- Yeah... me, too.
Um...
looks like my ride is here.
It was really nice
to meet you...
- Malik.
- Malik, Malik, Malik.
- Nice to meet you, too.
- You too.
I mean, yeah, yes.
See you later.
Looks like mine's here, too.
So...
Yeah?
What do you do for a living?
I'm a filmmaker.
That's cool.
Thanks.
Have I seen any of your work?
Uh... probably not.
- I'm sure it's good.
- I'd like to think so.
- What do you do?
- I'm a doctor.
- Oh, really?
- Yeah.
- That's dope.
- Thank you.
- What kind?
- Cardiologist.
- So you deal with the heart?
- Yes.
That's dope.
It's just that
I have been working
really, really late nights
at the hospital,
and tonight was supposed
to be my night off,
and I was supposed to be
with my friend,
but she left me
at the club, so...
Let's not waste
a good night off.
I know a few good spots
we could eat uptown.
I could eat.
I could eat.
Oh, okay.
Driver, can you stop us here?
Okay.
Shove over here.
- Yeah.
- Uh-huh, I see.
Taking the outside, good.
- Yeah.
- I was raised right, man.
My mom said, "You always
got to make sure that...
the lady on the inside,
guy got to be closer
to the street,"
hold the doors, all that.
- All that good stuff.
- Chivalry is a lost art.
It is.
And it's sad, too.
- Yeah.
- It's kind of
nostalgic, actually.
Yeah, you're right.
Shouldn't be, but...
I'm actually kind of
nostalgic in a way.
Yeah? How so?
I don't know, man.
I like-- I like the--
the classic stuff.
'90s R&B,
all that good stuff.
You know?
Classic movies.
That's part of the reason
why I don't like the club.
It's like I don't--
I don't get the music--
Yeah. I think
we all can agree
that whatever
they're playing nowadays
is nowhere near
as good as '90s R&B.
Right.
Well. Yeah.
Well, here we go.
- Food truck?
- Yeah.
Right here.
- It's the best in the city.
- Best-- okay.
Best in the city.
Trust me. Trust me.
You're gonna see.
- Okay.
- You're gonna see, come on.
Okay... this is pretty good.
- See, I told you.
- You're right.
You got it.
You got it. It's good.
It's the best in the city
right here.
Uh, okay. All right.
It is good, though.
It is good.
So, Mr. Filmmaker,
what movies or directors
inspire you?
Um...
Definitely Spike.
Mm, I'm sure.
"Do The Right Thing,"
"She's Gotta Have It."
- Absolutely.
- Yeah. Classics.
- Uh-huh.
- John Singleton.
Antoine Fuqua.
And I like what
Ryan Coogler's doing, too.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
My favorite work is
definitely "Love Jones."
- Really?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
- That's my favorite.
What's your favorite part?
Man, so many dope parts
in there. Um...
maybe the poem.
One of them was
just a booty call.
It was the smoothest
booty call ever.
All right...
I guess... okay.
But I think, um...
what's so great is the...
it's just great art,
you know?
Great representation
of us Black people,
you know?
The vulnerability.
Like, we need more stories
like that, you know?
Yeah, I agree.
Is that
what your work's like?
Yeah, I try to...
I try to recreate that,
emulate that.
Especially the vulnerability
aspect of it, you know?
Don't get me wrong,
there's a place
for the street films,
hood films.
There's truth
in those stories.
It's just not
my truth, you know?
It's not my representation.
Well, I for sure have to see
one of your movies now.
For sure.
- Yeah.
- Okay.
- Maybe.
- Maybe?
Well, why not?
Ah!
'Cause you can't handle
my review, of course.
Duh. What?
Oh, so you're
a movie critic now?
- I am a movie critic now.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
- Okay.
I can imagine...
I don't know,
maybe you could make
a bigger name for yourself
in a bigger city
like Atlanta or LA or New York.
Why stay here?
'Cause I'm from here.
And I like it here.
I think there's a scene here
full of untapped potential,
you know, energy.
My grandparents
actually had a spot
in the Brooklyn neighborhood.
In the '60s,
they tore it down.
I guess you could call it
the first...
wave of gentrification.
Anyway, it was
a vibrant Black community.
Yeah, I hear you.
I actually grew up
in Cherry neighborhood,
a few minutes from uptown.
When I was growing up,
I knew all my neighbors.
It was like you felt safe.
You felt like
the community was, like,
looking over you
at all times.
Now, if you try
to get a place over there,
you can't even get one
unless you got
a few million to your name.
They done priced
everybody out.
But...
I don't know,
some say...
once the communities left,
the... culture left.
I don't agree.
I still love my city,
you know?
I think you can find
a culture, you just gotta
look... look
at the right places for it.
But to answer
your question, yes,
there's a Black art scene
that's thriving here
in Charlotte.
No, it's not Atlanta.
It's not Chicago.
It's different.
There's an energy here,
definitely.
But why?
Why Charlotte for you?
I'm a transplant, just like
a lot of other people here.
So...
- Cool.
- You're a unicorn.
There's not a lot of you
left here. Special.
Appreciate that.
But I...
also went to school here,
and I...
just decided to stay.
I loved it here.
So, I finished
my residency, and...
now I'm thinking about
opening up a practice here
and serving the community,
so we'll see.
That's dope.
You've helped so many people.
I think so, yeah.
- Yeah.
- I think so.
But I know my dad...
wants me to come back home
and work for him, so...
it's a lot to think about.
At least
you got options, right?
Yes, I do.
A lot of options.
Cool.
- Is that us?
- Yes. Yes, it is.
Sam? Girl,
where have you been?
- Oh, Nikki.
- Oh, my God.
- I was so worried about--
- You were not worried about me.
You took one look at that guy
and you left.
- Oh, yeah.
- Yeah.
Yeah, and his name was,
like, Justin.
- Or was it James?
- Oh, girl.
It was something
that started with a J.
But whoa!
That was a good night.
Anyway, seems like
you had fun tonight.
Don't start.
How you doing?
- My name is Malik.
- Hi, Malik.
You guys had fun today?
Good time.
Oh-- ooh,
driver, driver, hey!
Um, can you
drop him off first?
We don't really want him
to know where we live.
Oh, my God,
Nikki, please.
He could be, like,
a serial killer or something.
She has a point.
Driver, can you
drop me off first?
I'll pay extra if I need to.
Hmm.
- And what are you doing?
- I want to see your movie.
- Yeah?
- Mm-hmm.
It's not out yet.
- I know you have a copy.
- Yeah, I do.
- So?
- Are you serious?
- I wanna see it.
- All right.
- Malik, I know where you live.
- Go home.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
- Coffee?
- Yes, thank you.
- So...
- So?
How'd you enjoy the movie?
Didn't really watch
that much of it.
I was a little preoccupied.
- Oh, yeah?
- Yeah.
I mean, I guess that means
you just gotta come back by.
- Oh, yeah?
- See it again.
I don't think
this is the best place
to watch it if you want me
to focus on it.
- Why is that?
- You know why.
Oh, that is my ride.
So, when will
I see you again?
I don't know.
You have my number.
Use it.
Mmm.
Yeah, you left the spot
last night.
What'd you end up doing?
I just, you know,
got something to eat and,
you know,
took a Uber home.
So... uneventful, huh?
- Yeah.
- Lying, bro.
Who was the little girl
- we saw you leaving with?
- You peeped that.
I did.
It was just good conversation.
That's it.
Yeah. All right.
You ready to get into this?
- Yeah.
- All right, man.
Need you to focus.
Deadline's coming up.
Yeah, I got you.
See, the time is off on this.
I feel like this scene
could flow better.
I think if...
if you just switch
the camera angles,
it'll be...
yeah, I think
that'd make it better, yeah.
All right, cool.
Uh... Malik.
- Yo, Malik.
- What's up?
Where the fuck are you
right now, bro?
Gotta get this picture
locked in.
My bad, bro.
My bad, my bad...
Okay, that wasn't
just no conversation.
Oh, she put that shit
on you, huh?
So, we started
a conversation,
and then...
you know,
end up going home.
I showed her
a cut of the film.
- This film?
- Yeah.
This isn't ready
for anyone to see, what--
Bro, relax. I mean, the film
was basically watching us.
Yo, you are
a hopeless romantic.
All that love at first sight
shit is for the movie.
That shit ain't got
nothing to do with love.
- It was just sex, bro.
- Yeah.
All right, well,
can we get back to work now?
Yeah, let's go.
You see what I'm saying
about it running smoother?
The angle you gave me was
right, I just...
Yeah, I still feel like
some of the brightness,
I don't know type of shit--
Here you go with
this exposure bullshit. God.
So, how was your night
last night?
Shouldn't I be
asking you that?
Girl, please.
Went out, got some dick,
went home.
End of story.
Yeah, except
you forgot the part
where you left
your homegirl at the club.
Uh...
You don't even
remember his name.
It was Jared.
And I gave him my number.
And I don't know why,
but he won't stop texting me,
and it's so annoying.
And last time I checked,
you were
on your own little adventure.
My adventure was
me getting an Uber home
because you left me.
- Hmm, here you go.
- I felt like being spontaneous.
- So dramatic.
- Oh.
Well, other than that,
what happened after?
Well, nothing, really.
We somehow ended up
in the same Uber,
so we just got some food.
Girl, that's not
what I'm talking about.
I mean, after the Uber.
We watched a movie.
- A movie?
- Mm-hmm.
- We watched a movie.
- Yeah, bullshit.
- We did.
- You gonna call him?
- Probably.
- Mm-hmm. Yeah.
- You gonna call him?
- I probably will.
Yup.
Yeah, man, we good.
I'm actually submitting
to the film festivals right now.
Yeah, man, I got a good--
good feeling about this one.
I do, got a good feeling
about this.
I actually have a meeting
with the sales agent,
and, you know,
once, he said,
when we get into
a few film festivals,
we can talk strategy.
In the meantime,
I'm about to start
writing the next one,
you know.
Okay.
All right, cool.
But I'ma holler at you.
Peace.
Oh, my God.
Let me see...
- Make sure you hydrate it.
- Mm-hmm.
- Congratulations on your film.
- Thank you.
Work is far from done, though.
What do you mean?
It means... it's kind of
out of my hands now.
Just gotta wait for it
to be selected
by a film festival.
Kind of nerve-wracking.
I think it'll be great.
Yeah?
You stress too much.
Shouldn't worry about it.
It'll work out.
- Yeah, you're right.
- Mm-hmm.
In the meantime, I'm trying
to make the next film.
What's stopping you?
It's lacking inspiration.
What's that?
This is an old film camera
used for home movies.
There you go,
being nostalgic again.
You want to be my muse?
- Really?
- Yeah.
Okay, I'll do it.
That's my good side.
Just stop.
- It's so cute.
- Oh, stop.
Stop!
Man, damn.
What's on your mind?
Nothing.
Something's got you out here.
You can talk to me.
The film didn't
get selected
for two of the film festivals
we submitted it to.
Sorry.
It's like they don't...
appreciate positive Black art.
But if it was
a crime series,
they would've ate
that shit up, you know?
You still have your...
film premiere though, right?
That'll be good.
I don't know
what that's going to do.
It's like
they don't wanna see...
layered African Americans
on screen.
If you're not playing
some type of thug...
crime boss, slave...
or trying to help
some white man,
just-- they don't
want to see it.
People do want to see
themselves represented.
And there is a market
for what you're creating,
you just can't give up.
I poured everything
into this, Sam.
Everything.
So every rejection
from the film festivals,
it's like money wasted,
just gone.
Maybe it's time for me
to just...
reevaluate some things.
My film career.
My approach.
Hell, maybe even my life.
I know it can seem like...
every time you don't get
immediate results, it's a waste.
I know what that feels like.
And it's not true.
And you're investing
in yourself
and your future
and your community.
Yeah, I don't know, Sam.
"Tears of the Sun,"
"Black Panther,"
"Miracle at St. Anna,"
- "Love Jones."
- What are you talking about?
All of these are classics.
And if Ryan Coogler
or Spike Lee
or Antoine Fuqua
had given up
because of a few rejections,
we wouldn't have any of those.
You're up next,
so you have to keep going.
Okay?
Hey, sweetheart.
- Hi, Dad.
- How is everything?
Everything's good.
I know you are glad that
that residency is almost over.
You can finally start
making some real money.
I did not become a cardiologist
to have some money, Dad.
Yes, I know.
I know. I know.
You want
to help people, right?
Just like your mother.
Yes. I want to start
my own practice
to help our people.
Heart attacks are among
the leading health concerns
of African American people.
Not to mention lower income.
This is true.
But look,
at least come work
for me, right?
Uh...
If you really want
to help people,
you can come work for me,
and there are patients
that-- that can pay, right?
ook, starting your own practiceL
is not easy. It's a lot.
- Yeah.
- Sweetheart, listen.
Just-- Just think
about it, right?
Plus, you can be closer
to your mom and I.
We miss you.
Fine.
I'll think about it.
Oh, girl,
I thought you were sleeping.
- This is Jared.
- Hi.
- Sorry!
- We'll talk about this later.
You could have put the lid down
on the toilet seat.
My bad.
What you writing
in that notebook anyway?
None of your business.
Come on, tell me
what you writing in it.
- What is that?
- It's nothing.
- Is it a diary?
- No. What am I, 12?
It's a book of poems.
- Poems?
- Yes.
Let me...
Let me hear some.
No.
Come on, let me hear some.
Let me hear some.
It's not that good.
I'm sure they good,
let me listen.
- Are you gonna judge me?
- No, I won't.
- Do you promise?
- I promise.
All right, then.
Let's see.
Hmm.
"In the gallery of life,
our love is a masterpiece.
A canvas brushed with hues
of mahogany and midnight
where every stroke
tells a tale of resilience,
of hearts bound together,
creating an enduring art.
Mahogany, rich and deep,
like the roots of our heritage.
Beneath the soil it intertwines
strong and unseen,
its warmth, a reflection
of our ancestors' embrace,
nurturing our love.
A legacy passed down
through dreams."
- Are you listening?
- I'm listening.
Okay.
"Our love,
an ebony night sky,
infinite and serene,
each star a moment of joy
or whisper of promises kept.
In the shadows of twilight
we find our sanctuary.
Two souls dancing
in the rhythm of unity,
step by step.
Amber sunsets kiss our skin,
a tender glow of passion
illuminating our journey,
painting paths of golden light.
In the storm's fury
we stand as an oak,
unyielding,
rooted in our devotion.
Our branches
reaching for the sky.
The deep blue of the ocean
mirrors our emotions,
vast and unfathomable,
yet tranquil and sure.
Waves of affection crashing
against the shores of time,
crafting sculptures of love,
ever-changing, pure.
In the crimson of dawn
we see our future's promise,
a horizon ablaze with dreams,
radiant and true.
With every heartbeat
our colors blend and blossom,
creating a masterpiece
where Black love is our muse.
So, let our love be the art
that adorns life's gallery,
a tapestry woven with hues
of mahogany and night
for in the symphony of colors
our story is told,
a testament to Black love,
timeless, bold and bright."
Sam, that was amazing.
You're just saying that.
No, I'm not.
I'm being so serious.
See, I told you
you was an artist.
Well, thank you.
Why don't you, like,
host a open mic night,
- or something like that?
- No.
- You know?
- No.
White people.
I mean, you got to give...
You got to share that
with the world.
I can't do that.
- Why not?
- Because...
I'm not that good.
Not yet.
Besides, I just need you.
You know?
Notes? Notes.
Well done.
Yeah, well done.
You're supposed to be like,
"Yeah, thank you," but not.
- "I appreciate it," huh?
- Yeah, yeah, welcome. But--
Right, there's always
the fucking "but," you know?
I did love it. I thought
the cinematography was great,
where you talked
about your talent.
The script was amazing.
Doesn't get much better.
I loved it.
You know, like I said,
if I had more time,
I'd... watch it again, you know.
It's good stuff.
Congrats, bud.
There's really never...
a good way to say this,
you know,
because it is a good script.
We just...
We just talked about that.
It's more that, uh...
this kind of stuff is just
not hot on the market right now.
As far as the businesses, right?
I just don't know
we can do much with that.
We need something...
more street,
you know what I mean?
That's... That's what's hot,
something street.
That's what the kids are on.
You gotta think about the kids.
And they're the next up
in the market.
They listen
to fucking hip hop, right?
You know, something like
a rapper name or something.
Put a "Lil" in front of it.
Just... anything.
Something like that.
What do you think about that?
You know what?
I think I'm just gonna, um...
think I'm just gonna
self-distribute this one.
No, self-dis...
See, not... Like, that's...
- Sure.
- No, that's the thing.
That's... That's the...
And I... listen,
I appreciate
and respect the confidence,
but you're gonna
fuck yourself right there.
You're gonna make
no fucking money back.
It's ROI, right?
Grab a Lemonhead. Relax.
Let's talk.
- Bro--
- Let's talk about
some solutions, right?
I'm a solutions guy.
- I'm not trying to kill you.
- Right.
Listen,
I'm trying to make money.
I like you.
You know that I like you.
Listen, Malik,
I don't got a lot of time.
Yeah, it may look like
I'm starting out, but hey,
I'm making
a couple dollars, okay?
My time's worthy.
And I had you here.
So what I will do for you...
touch base
with the distributors.
Look, I'm gonna talk to him
for you.
And we'll get them out
to the screen.
If maybe,
possibly I would like to.
That's the goal.
We'll get them out...
and we'll go from there.
You know what I'm saying?
Like, we'll see what we can do.
You don't even
get a festival, bro.
Really, all you got is me
right now.
- So, what do you say?
- I guess I have no choice--
You have a choice. Right?
I'm--I'm...
I'm telling you,
that's the path to take.
The self-distribution, like...
Who the fuck has done that
and done it well?
Like, I just...
I'll wait. You know
what I'm saying? Like, nobody.
Like, this is not...
This is not a thing.
You seem open to suggestions,
right?
And I appreciate you coming by
with love.
We'll talk soon.
You walk...
I'll walk you out.
- Yeah, appreciate you.
- I walk you out.
Got everything?
Wallet, phone, keys?
- Yeah.
- You shouldn't be
another body, brother.
Man, this... This project
was supposed to be the one, man.
How much money
you got tied up in this?
Shit. Too much.
And if I don't get distribution,
I'm just going to be wasting
my own personal money.
I don't know.
Maybe I should just write
the characters
they want me to write.
Look, man, you got a gift.
These white Hollywood execs
don't know shit.
Yeah, but they
the gatekeepers though, bro.
So we hop the fucking fence.
Look, I'm tired of seeing
street hustlers,
pimps and ballers.
We're more than that, man.
Look, I'm tired of seeing
this shit on screen again.
Shit, me too.
That's why I directed this one.
And it's perfect. Look, man,
don't change a thing, all right?
At the screening, they'll see.
This...
I can't afford
to not have distribution.
Bro, once they see your work,
just be ready with the next one
'cause the studios
will be calling.
Next week.
Ain't no next one. I can't...
I ain't been able to get
the next one down on paper.
Yeah, what's going on with you?
You normally bust a script out
in no time.
Sam. I just been
spending a lot of time with Sam.
Oh, I see
the love bugging bitch.
- I told your ass.
- Ain't nothing like that, man.
We just chilling.
I already told you.
Nigga, who you trying
to convince, me or yourself?
Whatever, man.
Take it from a brother
with experience.
The dumbest nigga
in the world is the one
who knows he's in love and tries
to convince himself he's not.
You only get
one soulmate in life, man.
Don't mess around losing,
being stupid.
Like I said, we just chilling.
That ain't got nothing to do
with love or none of that.
We chilling.
Me and her, chilling.
Okay, cool.
That's good.
'Cause... that actress
I was telling you about?
- Mm-hmm.
- Just showed up.
Hey, how are you?
Oh, Anna, this is
the talented writer/director
I was telling you about, Malik.
Malik, this is Anna.
Anna, it's nice to meet you.
It's nice to meet you as well.
I actually watched a short film
you did a while back.
- Oh, really?
- Yes.
- How'd you like it?
- I liked it.
I actually liked it a lot.
And I've been hoping
to get a chance
to work with you ever since.
Well, this is perfect timing.
Malik is actually in the process
of writing his next project.
- Oh, yeah?
- Yeah, yeah.
I'm actually in the process
of doing some brainstorming.
Oh. Any chance
there's a part in it for me?
- Yeah, possibly.
- Lay it on me.
Well, since you're still
in the brainstorming phase,
maybe I can help you out
with some of those ideas.
We'll take you up on that offer.
Yeah, that would be...
- That'll be helpful.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
- Well, it seems
like you guys
are getting along just fine.
I'm gonna let you two
get to work
on the brainstorming
and I'll... bounce.
So you do that.
So...
What do you do outside of work?
Uh, you know, like,
try to take it easy sometimes.
You know,
you go hiking or, like,
read some books, go to the gym,
something like that.
- Go to the gym?
- Yeah, you know,
gotta keep the physique
together, and all that.
I like a man
that work out.
What about you?
Oh, I be in the gym
sometimes myself.
- Oh, yeah?
- I like to... work out.
- Hi.
- Hi. I'm Sam.
- I'm here for a job interview.
- Oh, okay, Sam.
Well, you know,
just have a seat,
and I'll let the doctor know
that you're here.
Thank you.
Spelman for undergrad.
Uh-huh.
And the Howard University
for medical school.
Yes. Yes.
I went there as well.
Oh, okay.
And is your dad Dr. Allen?
Yes.
- Yes, he is.
- Hmm.
Very interesting. His practice
is doing very well up in D.C.,
- from what I understand.
- Yes, it is.
So...
I have to be honest.
Why do you want to work here?
I feel really passionately
about providing affordable
health care for everyone,
regardless of income.
And I know that your clinic
provides essential services
for the community, and I really
want to be a part of that.
I appreciate that,
but I have to be honest, Sam.
This is a demanding job
with long hours.
It's hard to have a family,
let alone a relationship.
I'm aware.
And I'm willing
to make sacrifices
in order to work here.
That's great to hear.
Now, if this is really
what you want to do,
I want you to take
a few days and think about it.
And if you decide that this is
where you really want to be,
I will be happy
to offer you a job.
Thank you.
I'm a really hard worker
and I'm really dedicated
to my patients.
I can tell.
I mean, you know.
- Ain't you?
- You know.
Hey...
- Thank you, Dr. Smith.
- You're welcome.
- Back to your fine dad.
- Uh...
- How's he doing?
- He's good. Yeah.
When you taste this,
you don't really like it.
Okay, we'll see.
Maybe let's just hold off
and--
One of my special recipes.
You know what I'm saying?
Okay.
Here, hollup,
let me get it.
up ahead.
- Uh-huh.
- Here, try this.
What you think?
Ooh. Mm...
What, you saying
I can't cook?
No. I'm not saying that.
That's good.
It's good. I just...
felt a little nauseous.
You all right?
Yeah, I think so.
Just felt sick.
- Hmm.
- But that's good, that's cool.
It's good.
I mean, you know,
they call me
Malik... Flay...
- They don't.
- ...chef with no way...
- you know what I'm saying?
- Okay.
...doing my thing.
Okay.
It's not really good.
I forgot to ask you
about your interview.
- How did it go?
- It went good.
So they offered me
the job on the spot.
They said it's mine
if I want it.
- And she went to Howard, too.
- Really?
- Uh-huh.
- Oh, that's good.
- Yes.
- Congratulations, I see,
like the whole alumni network
working out for you.
Anything like that? Good.
She went to school
with my dad,
and I'm pretty sure they did it.
- Really?
- Like a lot.
- Oh, that's wild.
- Yeah.
- That's wild.
- Actually.
Wow.
It's crazy.
Oh, I got a film event
to go to tonight.
Oh, so we're not going to hang
out and celebrate my new job?
No. I'm sorry.
Tye hit me up
at the last minute and said...
he got a couple people
he want to introduce me to.
So... I ain't gonna be
hanging with you tonight.
But, look, I'm gonna make it up
to you, all right?
I'll make it up.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Now I'm about to get
some more of this,
'cause, you know, my cooking...
I told you,
it's really like that.
- I don't--
- Yes. Okay.
Like, let's not blow it
out of proportion.
Came out really good.
Really good.
Wasn't that good.
But okay.
It's-- It's...
pretty good.
Hey, Malik.
Dude, how you doing?
What's up, Randy?
How you doing?
Doing good, man. I'm good.
Good to see you.
What you been working on?
I just got a film
in South Bay and Sundance.
- Really?
- Yeah. Yeah.
- Wow. Congrats.
- Thank you, man.
- Good.
- Aren't you working
on something as well?
Yeah, yeah,
but it's not a...
it's not
a festival project.
Oh, cool. Okay.
What studio is backing?
Um... I'm actually gonna, um,
self-distribute this one.
Ah. Cool. Cool.
Good luck with that.
Thanks.
Hey, man.
Forget about him.
Hard not to, man.
He got everything
that I want.
First, the process.
Stories that matter
come from real life shit.
You can't be cooped up
in the house thinking of ideas.
The best ideas come from
experiences and feeling shit.
Remember that.
Yeah, you right.
So, what does he do?
You know, he's eccentric.
You know? He's figuring out
what he wants to do.
He's creative and, like...
I don't know, he's just
kind of enjoying life,
being present in the moment.
That's a big thing.
- So, unemployed.
- Okay. For now.
- Okay.
- For now.
But he's gonna figure out
what he wants
and that takes time, so yeah.
Anyway, I mean,
you've been spending
a lot of time with Malik lately.
Yes.
I don't know.
I think it could be something.
I guess that means you can stop
being mad at me
for leaving you that night.
Uh, no,
because that was fucked.
- Okay.
- And you broke girl code
and now he's staying over.
Yeah, you weren't supposed
to find out about that one.
I don't know. I haven't heard
from Malik in a few days.
I know he's busy
with his film premiere
and waiting to send his script
to his agent.
It's...
I'm sure he'll figure it out.
Don't worry.
I hope so.
Just feel like
he doesn't have time for me.
If he's not worried about you,
you shouldn't be
worried about him.
- Nikki.
- I'm just saying,
if he wants to get to know you
and he cares,
he'll take the time.
That's all I'm saying.
I'll keep that in mind.
Yeah, you should.
Ugh, he is so annoying.
God, it's my dad.
He wants me to come to D.C.,
and work at his practice.
Well, at least
you'll have a job lined up.
That's not what I wanna do
and he knows that.
So now he's just throwing
numbers at me to get me to cave.
How much are we talking?
500K?
Okay, let me know if you're
gonna turn that down,
because I have student loans.
And if you're not gonna take it,
I'll take it.
That is a lot of money, though.
Girl, 500K? Yeah.
But it's not
what I want to do, though.
And his practice
doesn't serve the community
that I wanna serve.
I had an interview
at a Westside Clinic
and I was so excited.
They need a cardiologist,
and I know I can
make a difference there.
Sam, look, we all wanna
make a difference,
but you can't do that
if you're starving
and you're full of debt.
It's just something
to think about.
Yeah.
500K. Hmm.
Text Sharon about this.
Why are you texting?
Just 500k.
You won't believe this, girl.
She's getting 500K.
Everything's fine.
Hmm.
Everything's fine.
It's too much wine.
Too much wine.
You know
to never drink that much.
Everything is...
- You good?
- Uh-huh.
Good. So about this money...
- It's so much money.
- It's so much money.
You're crazy to turn that down.
If I were you,
I would be packed up right now.
I'd FaceTime my dad
and be like, "I am on my way."
And think about it,
all the stuff
you can do
with that money.
Sam, if you save it...
Because you do save,
because you are order,
then you can buy a house.
Oh, girl, that wasn't a diss.
- I'm just being honest.
- Sounded like a diss.
- Hey...
- Hey.
- How you doing?
- I'm fine. How are you doing?
- It's good to see you, too.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Glad you made it.
- Thank you.
- Little coffee.
- Hello.
How did you know I like coffee?
- How you been?
- All right.
Can't even complain.
So where are you
with the script?
Well, um, as you ask,
the story is actually
about a young woman who falls
in love with an older man.
- Hmm.
- But, uh...
their love is forbidden
because...
they come
from different worlds.
So...
That sounds familiar
and interesting.
Ooh.
Yeah. I think...
I think the role can be yours.
Mine? Not mine.
- Yep.
- You think I could do that?
- Thank you. I'm excited.
- I'm excited too.
Well, I'll be in London
next week,
so how about I say
we catch up when I get back?
Yeah, that's cool.
That sound good.
That sound good.
What you got going on on Monday?
Shooting, working,
working, shooting.
They pulling me
in every direction,
so I'm always busy,
but I got time.
I hear that.
That's good to be busy.
I'm busy, too. Just writing
on the next script.
- That's it.
- Oh, so busy people.
Shit.
Shit.
Shit.
Hello?
Hey. What's up?
Yeah.
Malik.
I thought we were supposed to
be spending time together today.
Yeah, we are. Just...
gotta finish the script.
Really tired of coming
second place to your work.
It's like you don't even
have time for me.
- That's not even true.
- Yes, it is.
And when you're not working,
you're talking to Anna.
What does Anna
have to do with this?
- Nothing.
- No. Hell, no.
You interrupted my concentration
now, so I guess I'm free.
What do you want
to do today, Sam? Huh?
I want us to be ends together.
'Cause right now
it just feels like it's me.
I don't want to feel
like I'm begging you
for your time
or that I'm bothering you.
I just want you to want me.
That's it.
It's like no matter what I do,
you're never satisfied.
I could be working on my script,
right?
But you right in front of me,
it's a problem.
I could put my script down
and tend to your needs,
and that's a problem.
It's like you... like...
What the hell
do you want from me?
I want you to talk to me
like you talk to Anna!
And how the hell
do I talk to Anna?
You tell me.
I heard you.
So now you listening
to my phone calls?
Yes, you're damn right I am.
Because when you sneak
out of bed late at night.
Yes, I'm listening.
Well, maybe if you understood
my writing process...
- I understood.
- I wouldn't have to sneak, huh?
If I understood.
Oh, so she understands?
Yeah, she understands. Yeah.
- She does.
- Anna understands your writing?
- Yeah.
- Fuck you.
Fuck you, Malik.
What? Sam.
Sam, wait.
I didn't even mean to--
Sam.
Damn.
What do you want, Malik?
Told you I wanted
to spend some time
with you today.
Now you want to spend time?
I'm not in the mood.
Sam, I'm sorry.
Okay? I've been writing
and working on the script,
but forget all that.
Let me...
Let me take you out today.
So let me get this straight.
You came here
with some flowers
that you probably
didn't even pick out yourself
and a whack-ass apology
and you thought...
somehow this would be good?
Like, you thought
this would work? Yeah?
Thought it'd be a start.
Okay.
Thought it'd be a start.
And, uh, you did take
the flowers and--
Oh, okay.
Okay. Okay.
What's this?
This is open mic night
my boy's running.
I love this.
I know you love poetry, so...
thought you'd really like this.
Hey, hey, hey.
How y'all feeling tonight?
Feeling smooth?
Y'all still feeling the vibe?
All right,
let's keep that frequency going.
To my right, we have
a well-known poet
straight right here
from Charlotte.
But let me get y'all ready.
His words, it captures you.
His delivery, mmm,
it elevates your senses.
And his style,
it brings you into
his world of creativity.
So without further ado,
help me.
Let's show some love to the one
and only, Sir Abstract.
How y'all doing tonight?
I appreciate
y'all for having me.
I got this new piece
I'd like to share.
We just gonna
get straight into it.
You see, love has its own time,
its own season,
and its own reasons
for coming and going.
Sometimes we don't realize
that we are
in another season
until the climate changes.
And the last time I checked,
you can't be dressed
for two seasons at once.
When you begin
to fall out of love,
the heartbeats begin to fade,
like listening to an album
on a record player.
Just because the needle
continues to spin on the groove
doesn't mean that another song
is up next.
We sometimes have to accept
that this part of us is over.
And to not be afraid to flip it
over to its B side.
I remember when your lips
used to taste like forever,
when your touch felt like
Christmas came early.
I remember when you were
my escape.
Now it feels
like a holding cell.
Our love used to feel so alive,
now it feels
like there's a cut somewhere
and it won't stop bleeding and
now we are just holding cells.
You were the fireplace that made
me forget it was a cold winter.
I was your pumpkin spice and now
you're something hard to digest.
My taste buds
can't even fall for you anymore.
I wish that I knew
the keys to success
when it comes to a relationship.
I know business plans
are appropriate
for investment meetings,
but not when it comes
to exchanging I love yous.
"I'm sorry for my mistakes."
That my commitment seemed
misunderstood when I didn't
understand everything
that was going on with me.
And the one thing
that sucks about leaves
when they fall
from a tree is that you can
never seem to catch them
before they touch the ground.
And I go back and forth
on what that means.
And I'm not going to hold you,
although I want to hold you.
Even if that means you are truly
ready to fall from this tree.
Thank you.
Do you think it's true?
What he said about
some people only being
in your life for a season?
Some people, yeah.
I think those things tend to...
work themselves out.
Yeah.
That's what I think.
Anna?
Yeah. It's a five hour
time difference.
It's the only time
she can really talk.
I think I'm gonna take that job
that my dad offered me in D.C.
What?
Why?
I think it's the right move
for my career.
What about all those people
that you wanted to help
at the clinic?
People in D.C. need help too.
Is this about Anna?
No.
No.
I just...
I think our season is up.
Our season?
Okay.
Okay.
So, is your mind made up?
No, I'm still thinking about it.
How do you feel about it?
You know,
we're just chilling, right?
Gotta do what's best
for your career.
Gotta do what you gotta do.
Just chilling.
Hmm...
It's getting late.
Can you take me home, please?
Yeah.
Um... Hi, I'm here to see
Dr. Smith.
It's really important.
Okay, no problem.
She'll be right with you.
Just go have a seat.
Thank you.
Sam?
We're ready for you
to come back.
Come in.
- Hi.
- Hey.
- She's ready for you.
- Oh, thank you.
- She has some questions.
- Okay.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Hi, Sam.
- Hi.
- How are you doing?
Okay.
So, do you have
any questions?
Um...
what should I expect?
So the nurse is
gonna come in here,
and she's gonna
give you your first pill,
and then we're gonna
send you home
with the next one
that you'll take tonight.
- Okay.
- Okay?
I also have some information
for you to look over.
But of course,
if you have any other questions,
you can always reach
out to me, okay?
- Okay.
- So this is for you.
You'll also find
additional information
- on your electronic chart.
- Okay, great.
It's gonna be all right.
Remember, you can
call me anytime
- if you have any questions.
- Thank you.
I know you decided not
to take the job,
but please know,
it's here for you,
when you're ready.
Okay, thank you.
- I'll send the nurse in.
- Thank you.
Go.
Come on.
You got one more.
Yo, what's going on, bro?
I don't know,
I'm good.
All right,
so that's bullshit
'cause you can normally
this weight with no problem.
So, what's really going on?
I just-- you know,
the script,
I got writer's block, and...
you know,
you know how that work.
Okay, so step away
from it, man.
You got time.
But I know this ain't
no writer's block,
so you gonna stop bullshitting
and tell me what the problem
really is?
Sam hit me with
some bullshit last night.
Ah, I see.
Yeah, said
she gonna leave,
go to D.C.
I thought it was nothing.
I mean, it is nothing,
man, you know?
It just...
just call me by surprise,
you know?
Man,
I told your ass before, man.
Y'all not just chilling.
She got your ass, bro.
I'm chilling, man.
I told you,
it's nothing, like--
like I said,
just caught me
by surprise, and...
you know, sex was good.
And I'm gonna
miss it, but...
All right,
well, that's it,
and it's not a big deal,
then let's get this weight.
- Come on.
- Yeah.
Sweet.
- Yeah.
- Oh!
Girl, I can't believe
you're moving.
Well, it's what's best
for me right now.
There's plenty
of opportunities here.
You don't have to go to D.C.
Plus, what about the clinic?
D.C. has clinics, too.
And I can help my dad and help
serve the community there.
I guess, but...
you know,
I'm going to miss you.
And what about Malik?
He told me to go.
Did he really?
Well, he didn't tell me to stay.
Well...
maybe he didn't
really want you to go.
Sometimes they think
about that.
Sam?
This is misoprostol.
Do you know what this is?
Of course I know what it is.
Are you...
Did you... Sam...
Sam!
Sam!
Why didn't you tell me?
I didn't want
anybody to know.
Does Malik know?
I didn't want
anybody to know.
Sam, you have to tell him.
You have to tell him.
Sam, you have to tell him.
You have to promise
that you won't
say anything to him.
Please.
Okay.
- Thank you.
- I won't say anything.
Sam?
Are you okay?
Sam!
Sam, it's okay.
Sam.
Sam, I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry, Sam.
Hey.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry I wasn't there.
Coming.
Surprise. Yo.
Nikki, what you doing there?
What do you think
I'm doing here?
She made her choice.
Mm, from what I understand,
you told her to go.
I'm not tripping.
We were just chilling.
- And she should go.
- Mm-hmm.
Keep trying
to convince yourself that.
Look, she's leaving
tomorrow morning,
and look, I just think
you need to talk to her.
I said
I'm not tripping, okay?
We were just chilling.
And why do you care anyway?
My best friend is leaving
because of you.
And I can't just...
I can't tell you why,
but I can tell
you're bullshitting.
You know how you really
feel about her.
So stop and go.
Oh, and here you go.
I found it downstairs
with your name on it.
You know going
through people's mail is
- a federal crime, right?
- "Oh, going through
somebody's--"
Yeah, yeah, call the cops.
"Their lips meet
in a feverish kiss,
fueled by
the storm's intensity
and the raw emotion
between them.
Ernest's hands grasp
Judy's body
with a hunger
that ignites her own desires.
And she responds eagerly.
Fingers pulling
at his trousers
and loosening his belt."
Anna...
do you even like my script?
I mean, it's all right.
What? What?
So you telling me
you here just to get casted?
You don't even care
if the script is trash or not?
Listen, listen, listen.
All that matters is
I'm good,
so I can make it better.
I think you should leave.
You want
all of this to leave?
All-- All of this?
- Yeah, yeah.
- Really?
- you should go.
- All-- All of this?
Leave.
Bye.
Wow.
Sam! Sam! Sam!
Sam!
That's correct.
Mm-hmm.
I need you to cancel
all the appointments
for the rest of the day.
Yes, I have an appointment
with the president at 2:00.
No, we can't meet
with that company.
All right,
I'll get back with you.
And, plus, my doctor's here.
All right, thank you, bye-bye.
- Uh, Dr. Allen?
- Yes.
Well, I was expecting
your father.
I've taken over
a few of his patients.
- Oh, okay, fine.
- Yes.
So, I checked some
of your past test results.
I'm just here to make sure
everything is okay.
Okay.
Oh, that's good.
'Cause I've...
been under
a lot of stress lately.
- Understandable.
- Oh, dear. Congress.
Whoo.
So, I am just gonna
listen to your heart.
- Okay, take a deep breath in.
- Okay.
And out...
And in...
And out.
Okay, turn...
And in...
And out.
And one more turn.
- And out.
- Phew.
Everything looks great.
Your test results look great.
Oh, well,
that is good to know.
You know, I have to be
ready tomorrow
to filibuster.
Congressman Ryan's bill.
Congress, they're idiots.
You know, they could worry
the hair off an ape.
- Hah!
- Oh, I'm sorry.
But anyway,
I know your dad is glad
you're back in town,
'cause he--
I heard he was
planning on retiring.
Yes, he is not
ready to retire.
But I'm just glad to be back
so I can help out.
- Well, I'm glad you're here.
- Thank you.
- Thank you so much.
- Thank you.
Hey, sweetheart.
Hey, Dad.
You know, I've been hearing
some good things about you.
- You've been taking my rounds.
- Mm-hmm.
Got some good feedback
from the congresswoman.
- Good.
- And, oh,
and revenue has been up
this year since you've joined.
But I would expect nothing less
from my baby girl.
Thank you, Dad.
So, as a result,
I'm going to need you
to take up
Thursdays on your schedule.
Uh, but you know
I can't do Thursdays.
That's my pro bono day
at the clinic.
We had a deal, Dad.
Samantha, first of all,
"can't" is not
in our vocabulary.
And secondly, um...
your priority...
is here.
This is your job.
You are...
paid handsomely,
I might add.
This is like talking
to your mother-- um...
I need you here.
Am I clear?
Samantha... am I clear?
You said I could have
my Thursdays, Dad.
That's not what you said
earlier, but yes.
Not what I said earlier.
Hm, it's like we have
different understandings.
Well, um...
I need you
on Thursdays.
You'll get to do
that community stuff.
For now.
I need you to take that--
take on Thursdays.
Fine.
Love you.
Bro, this is
absolutely amazing.
Thanks, bro.
Takes a lot
to be this vulnerable.
This is gonna reach
a lot of people.
Yeah?
We'll see at the premiere.
I hear it's sold out.
Yeah, it is.
You ever call her?
No.
Well, I'ma go.
Rest up, man.
Tomorrow, it's all about you.
I appreciate it.
She played a profound
purpose in your life.
No matter how short
the amount of time was
y'all spent together,
she inspired this.
That's powerful.
See you tomorrow night, man.
What's up?
- Congrats, man.
- Thank you.
- I appreciate it.
- How's everything?
Pretty good, man...
How we looking?
How we looking?
We're looking good--
we're looking great.
We're looking phenomenal.
But hear me out.
- What's up?
- I got some distribution dudes.
Willing to tape
right now for you.
- Really?
- Really.
Man, close on the best one.
I'll do what I do...
do what I do best.
Yeah, and flip it around.
Either way, you get it.
Get it.
Hey, but listen,
you got Jennifer,
from "Variety."
Couple quick questions.
Something light,
little chitchat.
Be right here
if you need me.
- Cool.
- I'll introduce ya.
Jennifer, you busy?
You busy? Can I--
- Can I-- Can we--
- Hi.
- All right.
- How you doing, Jennifer?
- Good, how are you?
- Good.
Just had
a couple questions for you.
- Yeah.
- So what did you think
- about the film?
- I felt good about it, um,
and felt like it was
a good turnout at the premiere,
so, you know,
I'm excited about the future.
Yes, and what was
your inspiration behind it?
Someone really special to me.
Can we expect
even more films in the future?
- Hey... I'll be right.
- Okay.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- It's good to see you.
- You too.
Your film was amazing,
by the way.
- Thank you.
- Mm-hm.
You know, um...
- you're my inspiration.
- Yeah?
Anyway, I just wanted
to say congratulations.
Sam.
Why'd you leave?
If I stayed...
would you have been able
to do any of this?
I would have chose you.
- I know.
- I would have chose us.
I know.
That's why I left.
Well, you're here now.
And I...
And I choose you now.
Malik, you're going to LA,
and I'm in D.C.
I don't care about that.
I told you before...
our season is up.
But I don't want
a season, Sam.
I want forever.